(continued from the home page) . . . bank of the Snake River. The area is rustic and not always well marked, but the wineries are fairly close together, accessible and often surprising.

Our favorite on this trip was Koenig Distillery and Winery (20928 Grape Lane, Caldwell, ID 83607; 208.455.8386; www.koenigwinery.com). As the name suggests they produce wine and distill liquor (more on that later).

Koenig is run by two brothers: Andy and Greg Koenig. One focuses on producing wine, the other on the distillery.

The cozy tasting room sits up one floor in the building overlooking the distillery, which is a remarkable scene of large cooper pots, pipes and gauges.

Their wines are regarded by the locals as the best Idaho has to offer. Our favorite was the 2001 Idaho Cuvee Alden Private Reserve Red Table Wine ($40, direct from the winery). It is named in honor of the birth of their son, Alden Hayward Koenig. Rich and complex, it's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (40%), and Cabernet Franc (5%) that has been aged in new French oak barrels for two years.

The surprise was the newest addition to the distilled line, which up until September 2006 had been comprised solely of fruit brandies. Koenig is now producing a potato Vodka. It's argued that potatoes make the best Vodka available and after tasting Koenig's, we'd agree. This is delicious sipping Vodka with a very smooth finish and a light sense of vanilla. Due to Idaho liquor laws, you cannot sample any distilled products in the tasting room, but the Vodka is well worth purchasing to enjoy later.

Dining in Boise
While in Idaho, it's a good idea to sample some of the exciting new cuisine Boise has to offer. It seems new restaurants are opening almost daily there and the nightlife, which has always been busy downtown, is casually sophisticated.

A couple worth mentioning:

Gino's Grill (150 North 8th Street) offers exceptional service, excellent food and a great wine list. We had a 2000 Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella Sagramoso with our meal that was one of the most delicious wines we've ever had ($29 retail price).

8th Street Wine Company (405 South 8th Street in the new Bodo District; www.8streetwine.com) is a combination of great wine shop and casual restaurant, featuring anything from burgers to North African food.